BEING A GOOD NEIGHBOR - One Bread, One Body, 8/21/2009

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Friday, August 21, 2009, Pope St. Pius X

Ruth 1:1, 3-6, 14-16, 22, Psalm 146:5-10, Matthew 22:34-40
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/082109.shtml

BEING A GOOD NEIGHBOR

"The second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On
these two commandments the whole law is based, and the prophets as
well." —Matthew 22:39-40

The second commandment and part of the basis for the whole Christian life
is: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Mt 22:39). Only by
inviting neighbors to give their lives to Christ can we truly love them. A
total commitment to Jesus is the greatest need of a human person, for
without Jesus we can do nothing (Jn 15:5). Therefore, if we fail to share
Jesus with our neighbor, we are refusing to give them the greatest
necessity of life. This is surely not love, no matter how many other nice
things we do.

After we share the Lord with our neighbors, we are called to serve them in
many ways. This is the follow-up of our evangelism. We are practicing what
we preach. Nonetheless, no amount of service can ever substitute for
loving people enough to tell them the truth about Jesus. Even if our
neighbors reject the gospel message and us, we must love them enough to
accept their rejection. Although evangelization is not all there is to
loving our neighbor, it is the essence of obeying the second commandment.
For Christians there can be no love without evangelism.

Prayer: Father, give me a deep concern for the salvation of those I see
every day.

Promise: "You shall love the Lord your God with your whole heart, with
your whole soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first
commandment." —Mt 22:37-38

Praise: Pope St. Pius X lived out the call of service to neighbor by
breathing renewal in the cause of Catholic Action. He also promoted more
frequent Communion and more Bible study.

(For a related teaching, order our tape "Love" on audio AV 58-1 or video
V-58.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from
August 1, 2009 through September 30, 2009
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, February 11, 2009

The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be
free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have
granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.

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